Barcelona starting lineup for LaLiga EA Sports Clásico against Real Madrid

Barcelona and Real Madrid return to LaLiga action in El Clásico after contrasting fortunes in the Champions League quarter-finals in midweek. Ronald Araújo’s red card against Paris Saint-Germain, with Xavi Hernández’s team 4-2 ahead on aggregate, proved incredibly costly and ultimately led to their elimination. Carlo Ancelotti’s men, on the other hand, did reach the semi-finals after ousting Manchester City following a backs-to-the-wall performance. Morale in the Spanish capital is understandably through the roof.

Barcelona confirmed starting XI

Ter Stegen; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Cancelo; De Jong, Christensen, Gündogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.

Here is Madrid’s XI

How far behind Real Madrid are Barcelona in LaLiga?

Barça head to Estadio Santiago Bernabéu knowing they must avoid defeat at all costs if they are to have any chance of catching their bitter rivals, who are eight points ahead with seven matches to play. A win for Los Blancos would all but wrap up the title.

Despite the lengthy odds, LaLiga is Barcelona’s last hope of a trophy this season. Xavi will inevitably pick his strongest team, which means few changes are likely to be made to the side that started well against PSG before crashing and burning. If any alterations are made, they are likely to come in midfield.

Christensen could replace Pedri in midfield

Marc-André ter Stegen will take up his usual place in goal, with Jules Koundé and João Cancelo flanking Araújo and Pau Cubarsí in defence. In the past, Araújo and Koundé have switched positions to deal with Vinícius Júnior, although that isn’t expected to happen on Sunday.

Andreas Christensen missed the defeat to PSG due to suspension but looks set to return in the holding role, which will allow Ilkay Gündogan to move further up the field. The other spot in midfield will likely be taken by Frenkie de Jong, with Pedri, who started in midweek, still searching for full fitness and his best form after recent injury issues. He could make an impact from the bench in the second half.

Sergi Roberto, who has been in good form of late, and Fermín López are Xavi’s other central midfield options.

Yamal fresh after PSG substitution

In attack, central striker Robert Lewandowski should be accomapnied by Lamine Yamal on the right, and the in-form Raphinha on the left. Neither Ferran Torres nor João Félix is likely to replace the Brazilian, whose work rate could be key against Madrid.

Yamal should be fresh for El Clásico having been taken off against PSG in the 34th minute following Araújo’s sending off.

Our predicted Barcelona XI to play Real Madrid

Ter Stegen; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Cancelo; de Jong, Christensen, Gündogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.

Ferran Torres, Félix and Pedri are among the players who will be hoping to make an impact from the bench.

Xavi goes into Sunday’s game with only two players unavailable for selection. Young midfielder Gavi won’t play again until next season because of an ACL tear, while left-back Alejandro Balde could also be in the same boat due to a hamstring injury.